Braeburn has overtaken the Cox's Orange Pippin as the nation's favourite apple.
The New Zealand born apple was introduced to the UK less than 20 years ago and its popularity has been attributed to its flavour, crispness and ability to stay fresh for than longer than its UK rivals.
Kate O'Farrell of Common Ground, an environmental group, said: “In the UK we can grow over 2,000 varieties that can be eaten from August to Easter. The results are disappointing.”
According to government statistics the total area of commercial orchards has declined by two thirds ñ approximately 100,000 acres ñ over the past 30 years.
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